Actor and writer Stanley Tucci talks about What I Ate In One Year (and related thoughts) in his latest book. Here are my related thoughts. I read and enjoyed his earlier book, Taste. However, if you’re a fan of audiobooks, which I am not, I’d suggest you listen to Tucci read his book. I think it would be more enjoyable to listen to the book.
Beginning in January 2023, and ending early in 2024, Tucci goes through his days, relating what he ate, and who he ate it with. Sometimes, it was family. Sometimes, he ate by himself, standing in the kitchen. Often it was with other friends and family who visited in London, where he lives, or wherever he was in Europe or the United States. Although he talks about the food, includes recipes, and talks about restaurants, I enjoyed the conversations about family and friends the most.
And, several passages hit home because of my own life. I’ll have to share this sentence with my brother-in-law. Last weekend, I ate meals five times at my sister’s, where her husband, Kevin, is the cook. Kevin loves to cook for people. He sends home the best leftovers. And, the more people he can cook for, the happier he is. Tucci says, “Home-cooked food strengthens our bonds when we are together, keeps us connected when we are apart, and sustains the memory of us when we have passed away.”
Tucci’s first wife, Kate, died of cancer. At a restaurant, a widower came to him to say how much he and his late wife enjoyed Tucci’s show, “Searching for Italy”. He wanted to talk about his wife. Here are Tucci’s thoughts. “When someone you love dies, you absorb them. You take on their feelings and simultaneously experience life through their eyes and their heart as well as your own. In essence, you become them. This is not a conscious choice. It just happens. And it happens because one is not yet fully capable of accepting that person’s absence. It keeps them alive. Or at least it makes them less dead.” Twenty-some years after my father’s death, I still say, “Dad would enjoy this.” Some of the events in my life still trigger those thoughts and comments.
What I Ate In One Year is a thoughtful book. There are plenty of lists of food and recipes for foodies to enjoy. But, I enjoyed Tucci’s thoughts on life, family, and mortality. Through his own experiences, he has learned to appreciate what he has.
What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci. Gallery Books, 2024. ISBN 9781668055687 (hardcover), 352p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
Lesa, what a lovely image you created with the words “Dad would enjoy this”. I too often have that same thought about my dad and it is such a comforting feeling.
I listened to the book Taste and will probably listen to this newest book at some point. I am not much of a movie watcher (more a BBC or PBS person) so really do not really know much about Stanley Tucci. He does have a good voice for narration though.
Thank you, Susan. You’re right. It’s comforting whenever I say, “Dad would enjoy this”, or “I wish Dad was here to see this.” I still miss his joy in daily life.
I liked Stanley Tucci in Julie and Julia. I never saw him in The Devil Wears Prada, but I did enjoy one episode of his food tour of Italy.
He would be a good narrator.
I really liked TASTE too, but I’m not sure about this one, though I like the idea of it. I don’t listen to audio books either.
And yes, we frequently talk about what departed people – my mother, friends like Bill Crider – would have thought about a particular story.
I probably shouldn’t say it, but I can’t help being a little cynical about Tucci and his feelings about his first wife, especially when he had a very public affair with actress Edie Falco when they performed on Broadway together in 2002, and left his family for her. But the affair ended, and he reunited with his wife. She died in 2009. This is on Falco’s Wikipedia page but NOT on Tucci’s.
I had no idea about his affair with Edie Falco. That’s a shame.
I think this one is really for foodies, Jeff, and I’m not one.
You’ll want to check out my blog tomorrow. I know you read it every day, but tomorrow’s will have special meaning to you.
I enjoyed watching Searching for Italy. Food does bring us together.
You’re so right, Bonnie. I remember long meals with family when we just sat around afterwards, especially Thanksgiving ones. And, I’ve enjoyed numerous meals at my best friend’s house when her husband cooked because he loves to, and it’s the same at my brother-in-law’s. He puts love in his meals.
The best meal that I have ever eaten was a the home of some Chinese/Vietnamese Americans. Better than any restaurant I have wonderful memories of it and wish that I could re-live it.
What a wonderful memory, Carol. Meals are special when they bring food and beloved people together.
Oh, Lesa i loved this review. ❤
This may be exactly what I need to read. With all the nastiness and cynicism surrounding us, a little gentle joy is on order.
You’re so right, Kaye. Thank you for the compliment on the review!
Pretty sure my Sandi would have liked this. She watched a lot of his stuff over the years. Don’t think she knew about the Falco deal. I know I did not.
I certainly didn’t, Kevin.
Loved the book – love him – and no had no idea about the affair.
And, I wish I still didn’t know about the affair, Donna.